Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
William Shakespeare. 15641616140. Fidele
FEAR no more the heat o’ the sun, | |
Nor the furious winter’s rages; | |
Thou thy worldly task hast done, | |
Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages: | |
Golden lads and girls all must, | 5 |
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust. | |
Fear no more the frown o’ the great, | |
Thou art past the tyrant’s stroke; | |
Care no more to clothe and eat; | |
To thee the reed is as the oak: | 10 |
The sceptre, learning, physic, must | |
All follow this, and come to dust. | |
Fear no more the lightning-flash, | |
Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone; | |
Fear not slander, censure rash; | 15 |
Thou hast finish’d joy and moan: | |
All lovers young, all lovers must | |
Consign to thee, and come to dust. | |
No exorciser harm thee! | |
Nor no witchcraft charm thee! | 20 |
Ghost unlaid forbear thee! | |
Nothing ill come near thee! | |
Quiet consummation have; | |
And renownèd be thy grave! |